Osteoporosis Knowledge Among Spine Surgery Patients

Background The purpose of this study is to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes on osteoporosis among first-time spine surgery patients.

Methods An electronic survey consisting of demographics, prior experience with osteoporosis, and the Facts on Osteoporosis Quiz (FOOQ) was sent via email to first-time spine surgery patients. Patients were then randomized into 2 groups: 1 received a brief osteoporosis information packet prior to beginning the FOOQ, and 1 proceeded directly to the survey.

Results A total of 63 patients who participated in this study, 29 in the information packet group and 34 in the non–information packet group, completed the survey. The mean FOOQ scores for the information packet patients was 16.37 (± 2.35) and for the non–information packet patients was 15.62 (± 2.87), with a P value of .12. There were no statistically significant differences between the 2 groups in terms of patient demographics or prior experience with osteoporosis. The information packet group trended to higher interest with a P value of .068.

Conclusions Our study demonstrates high FOOQ scores among all first-time spine patients as compared to historical scores in general at-risk populations. No statistical differences between FOOQ scores were noted between the group that received the information packet and the control group. This study demonstrates that patients new to spine care have a good understanding of osteoporosis and are thus willing to participate in osteoporosis treatment as part of their spine care.